Runners ready to tackle half-marathon

Runners of all ages will be taking part in the Newark Half-marathon a week on Sunday.

Marilyn Hatherley, 67, of Coddington was the first female home over the age of 65 to finish last year’s event, and is hoping to retain the title this year.

She was one of the first people to join Notfast running club when it was set up more than 30 years ago and is still a member.

This will be the 13th time she has run the Newark Half-marathon — her first was in 1984 when she completed the course in 1 hour 52 minutes.

Her best time was in 1987 when she finished in 1hr 35mins. Last year she completed the race in 2hrs 2secs.

She said she enjoyed the course and thought it was better than the route used for the half-marathon before it restarted.

"I’m looking forward to it, although I will be a bit nervous on the day," she said.

"I would like to do it in under two hours."

Marilyn has completed a string of half-marathons and 10Ks. She has also taken part in seven London Marathons.

"But I do like local events and I am glad they started the Newark Half-marathon again," she said.

Kate Fisher, 53, of Claypole, took part in the event when it restarted in 2016.

This year she is recovering from injury so has volunteered to help with registration.

"I am disappointed not to be able to it, but I am happy to be involved and support everyone else," she said.

Kate is also a member of Notfast and has been its secretary for the past ten years.

She started running 18 years ago to lose weight after her second child started school. Since then, she has completed 26 half-marathons, 120 10Ks and two London Marathons.

"It’s a life-style choice," she said. "It gets to be very habitual."

Her father, Colin Green, 75, of Elston, a member of Notfast for 15 years, will be one the oldest male runners.

He was among those to take part when the race returned in 2016.

"It is a local event and I wanted a challenge," he said.

He was unable to take part last year because of injury but said he was looking forward to this year’s event and hoped to complete it inside 2½ hours.

"The hot weather has made it very difficult to train but I am looking forward to it and hopefully will get a lot of neighbours coming out to support me through Elston," he said.

The event starts and finishes in Sconce and Devon Park, Newark.

Runners will set off from Hawton Road, Newark, at 9.30am.

There will also be a 2k fun run in the park starting at 9.45am.